Abstract
By way of setting the scene for considering New Zealand’s track two diplomacy in Southeast Asia, it is instructive to turn to the previous (Labour-led) New Zealand government’s report on its foreign policy and trade with Asia, Our Future with Asia (New Zealand Government, 2007, p. 60). This report identifies four specific challenges for New Zealand’s future with Asia: integrating ourselves better into an integrating region; being a good neighbour; boosting New Zealand’s growth by linking to the growth of Asian economies; and becoming more ‘Asia literate’. It goes on to note the importance of New Zealand’s participation in regional dialogues (ibid., p. 21) and the importance of track two discussions in shaping and advancing important agendas and significantly impacting New Zealand (ibid., p. 24). The chapter ‘Being a Good Neighbour’ concludes:
New Zealand’s ability to participate in the consideration of regional affairs and to shape decisions in the region rests on the extent to which we respond to the problems and challenges faced by the region. If we want to embrace the benefits of engagement, we must also be a good neighbour. That means looking for ways to work together, understanding each other better, respecting one another’s differences, and maintaining those relationships through the inevitable ups and downs. (Ibid., p. 28)
Track two engagement, via think-tanks and the like, is a set of New Zealand connections in the region which operates outside of government and brings value through its independent thinking and ideas. Often it works in parallel with official efforts and contributes to the framing of policy settings by government in the region (including our own). Track two participation by New Zealand — while well regarded by peers — tends to be limited and fragmentary. Thought needs to go into lifting our track two capability. There is the potential for the Asia New Zealand Foundation to play a greater role in this endeavour. (New Zealand Government, 2007)1
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© 2012 Andrew Butcher
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Butcher, A. (2012). ‘Being a Good Neighbour’: New Zealand and Track Two Diplomacy in Southeast Asia. In: Headley, J., Reitzig, A., Burton, J. (eds) Public Participation in Foreign Policy. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230367180_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230367180_6
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